Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has called on leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to put aside their differences, accept the ruling of the Court of Appeal, and focus on organising a fresh national convention in line with the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Reacting to Monday’s appellate court judgment concerning the party’s 2025 national convention held in Ibadan, Saraki urged party leaders to reflect on the situation and treat the ruling as the end of the ongoing legal disputes.
He warned that with preparations already underway for the 2027 general elections, the party cannot afford to wait for a final decision from the Supreme Court on its leadership crisis.
Saraki made the appeal in a statement issued on Tuesday by the head of his media office, Yusuph Olaniyonu.
According to him, internal disputes and personal rivalries among party leaders should not be allowed to threaten the future and electoral prospects of the PDP.
Saraki explained that given the revised timetable released by INEC, waiting for the Supreme Court’s verdict could prevent the party from meeting deadlines for nominating candidates for upcoming elections.
He also cautioned that prolonging the legal battle could create uncertainty over the legitimacy of candidates nominated under the PDP platform.
The former governor of Kwara State stressed that political parties exist primarily to provide platforms for candidates to contest elections, adding that ongoing litigation could undermine that purpose.
Saraki maintained that the most practical solution is for party members to discontinue all court cases and concentrate on organising a national convention that complies with INEC’s timetable.
He acknowledged that the dispute may have bruised egos within the party but urged leaders to rise above personal interests and prioritise the broader goal of strengthening the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Saraki added that many grassroots members across the country are already mobilising support and preparing to contest elections under the PDP platform, including positions in state assemblies, the House of Representatives, Senate, governorship seats, and the presidency.
He warned that continued infighting could deprive these members of the opportunity to present themselves to voters.
The former Senate President therefore urged PDP leaders to adopt a spirit of compromise, engage in dialogue, and work together to organise an inclusive national convention that accommodates all interests and restores unity within the party.